Safety campaign is wheeled out

ONE hundred Fingal residents took part in a cycle from Swords Castle to Skerries to raise awareness of a new safety campaign for cyclists. 

‘Stayin’ Alive at 1.5’ encourages drivers to maintain a 1.5-metre distance between themselves and cyclists to reduce cyclist deaths and injuries. Fingal is the first Dublin Local Authority and the fifth Irish Local Authority to support the campaign.

The Stayin’ Alive at 1.5 Campaign was originally promoted by Wexford cyclist Phil Skelton after he was nearly run off the road by a car while cycling, before it was supported by Wexford County Council.

Fingal County Council’s Road Safety Officer, Niamh Russell, highlighted the importance of supporting this initiative.

“As part of a wider Cycle Safety Campaign, Fingal County Council is recommending that drivers maintain a 1.5-metre distance between themselves and cyclists in an effort to reduce cyclist deaths and injuries,” said Ms Russell.  

“The roads are a shared space but cyclists have a greater risk of being hurt while commuting to work or cycling for fun. 

“We are asking drivers to be conscious of this and to keep a safe distance between themselves and cyclists to prevent injuries and fatalities. 

“There will be road signs in place throughout Fingal to raise awareness of the campaign and to encourage safe driving so that cyclists can travel safely on our roads.”

The campaign also includes a School Cycle Training Programme to educate primary school children on the importance of practicing safe cycling.

Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid welcomed the launch of the campaign. 

“In Fingal we have many active cycling clubs and residents who cycle to work and school so it is essential that we make the roads safe for them to use,” he said.

“ By simply being aware of cyclists and giving them enough space, we can reduce the risk of deaths and injuries on our roads.”

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley said the implementation of this guideline has the potential to save lives. 

“I am delighted to see that Fingal is promoting this campaign and believe it has the potential to be applied by every Irish Local Authority,” said Mayor McCamley.